Thai PM: Inner Bangkok won't be devastated

BANGKOK 
Thailand's prime minister says central Bangkok will see only mild flooding if it ends up falling victim to the rising waters that have plagued much of the country.

Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra offered her prognosis Saturday on her weekly radio broadcast as falling water levels were reported in parts of northern Bangkok that have been flooded for days.

Yingluck cites flood experts in saying water in the center of the capital will not be deeper than 12 inches (30 centimeters). Some less developed, less densely populated areas to the north have seen floodwaters more than 6 feet (2 meters) deep. The floods have killed more than 500 people since late July.

Worries about flooding are now focused on areas to the east and west of the city center.